Jaida Dreyer

JW Jones Raising Blues to a High Temperature

JW Jones Raising Blues to a High Temperature that is a certainty on his latest album; the follow-up to his critically acclaimed and Juno nominated Belmont Boulevard. JW has raised the temperature steaming the notes and forming a new a new sound full of warm tones with his vocals adding to the tonal colour of blues infused music full of soulfulness.

Thirteen original numbers, twelve of them co-written by Dick Cooper, of the Cooper Brothers. The song making up the baker’s dozen, How Many Hearts is co-written by Jaida Dreyer and Colin Linden. The songs are a mix of the personal, playful and painful, life is being tempered by the high temperature of the guitar playing and strong songwriting.

Opening with Price You Pay, the guitar is sharp as a gun slinger looking for a challenge, it is a statement this is my stage I am in control of the sparkling blues. The lyrics unfold a story unfurled and we know what the price it is we have to pay. Introducing us once more to his touring bassist Laura Greenberg, whose tones reflect back the sound of Jones’ six-strings. The drummer on the album is Bryan Owings as High Temperature was recorded before Will Laurin joined the band as the drummer.

Focusing on the power of JW Jones, there is not an array of guests the sound is what you expect to hear when JW tours with his band, and the exception to the rule, there has to be one, is Jaida Dreyer joining him on her own composition How Many Hearts. The two vocals harmonise and curl around the lyrics, beat and keys courtesy of Kevin McKendree. Quickly followed by the title track full of swing and mellow blues a big band sound that lays down the influences that dominate the album High Temperature. This is Blues for a good time full of delicious tonal licks, shuffles and the cutest hooks for JW to hang his vocals from. The sound is luscious full-on with the layering of the instruments so that the sound has a richness and depth that is worth every minute that your ears explore the cadences. This is big time Blues, full of confidence and pizzazz.

The first three numbers lay down the quality of JW Jones Raising Blues to a High Temperature; under the skills of the producer Colin Linden’s hand. The studio sound is crisp and warm; with the free from the fluidity of Jones’ live performances. The reach of the vocals is far connecting to the listener with a genuine heartfelt affection of tone. Opening up even further than he did on Cocaine Boy on Belmont Boulevard, you get to know about the real JW Jones on Who I Am. On this emotionally charged blues number, the guitar squeals as the vocals connecting blues in the blood with the life ethics his Grandfather instilled in him making sure he has love in his heart. The cascading keys is a statement of the roads travelled to have the confidence to state this is Who I Am. The album is outward looking, never self-absorbing, the beat picks up with driving rhythms encouraging foot-tapping not tears.

The blues are never far from any JW Jones number blue sparkles and shimmer deep as a sapphire under the brightest moonlight on Midnight Blues. Full of static electricity and the power of the big band sound of urban blues at the top of their game.

Closing out the album we have a turn in the bending road of blues infused music with a country feel. This is fast high-tailing music where the guitar takes centre stage on this instrumental allowing the instruments to take us on a journey painting a picture leaving us with the Wham factor.

High Temperature, from JW Jones is a must for lovers of electric blues, the album goes beyond the genres delighting guitar driven music lovers everywhere when combined with the infectious nature of a soulful voice.